Method of and apparatus for controlling mechanism of moving vessels or vehicles

ABSTRACT

26,371. Tesla, N. July 1, [date applied for under Sec. 103 of Patents &amp;c. Act, A.D. 1883]. Propulsion, controlling from a distance; steering from outside vessel.-Fig. 3 shows the application to a vessel having electromagnetic motors D, F, the former for propelling, and the latter for actuating the rudder shaft G&lt;1&gt; by the worm and spur gearing shown. The fixed shaft H carries an insulating- disc L having brushes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, secured to its underside, while the sleeve b, which is turned by the motor F, carries a disc having on its upper side two circles of contacts, of which the outer comprises two long plates 7, 8 and series of short plates 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. When an electrical disturbance passes to the receiver E&lt;1&gt;, conductor C&#39;, and sensitive device A&#39;, a flow of current is started through the relay a and electromagnet f, the armature f of which is fixed to the rock-shaft f&lt;11&gt; carrying an anchor escapement controlling the spindle g&#39;, which is driven by clockwork, geared so that for every oscillation of the escapement the spindle h is turned through half a revolution, and causes the device A&lt;1&gt; to be turned end for end and break the circuit. When the cylinder j on the spindle g&lt;1&gt; turns, it causes the brush J&lt;1&gt; to pass from insulation to touch, say, the contact j&lt;1&gt;. This operates the relay K&lt;11&gt;, and causes the motor F through the connection shown to turn the rudder to starboard and brings the brush 6 on to the plate 8 closing the circuit of the motor D. When the rudder reaches the desired position, the switch at the operating-station is moved, and causes another action of the relay a to shift the brush J&#39; into insulation, so that the relays K&lt;1&gt;, K&lt;11&gt; are inactive. To steer to port, the switch is placed so that the brush J&#39; comes in contact with the plate j&lt;11&gt;, and the relay K&#39; causes the motor F to shift the rudder. A small motor m is arranged in the circuit and runs in one direction only ; normally its arm m&lt;11&gt; is prevented from moving far by the coiled spring m&lt;1&gt;, but, should the switch be turned rapidly, the lever m&lt;11&gt; comes in contact with the plate n, and the current of the main battery E passes through one or both of the coloured lamps on the standard q, according to the position of the brushes 3, 4 relatively to the insulating-segment 23 carried by the disc on the sleeve b to show the position of the rudder. The sensitive device A&lt;1&gt; consists of a cylinder c containing equal-sized grains of oxidized metal, and has a central rod which is bolted to the bracket e pivoted to the eccentric h&lt;1&gt; on the spindle h. While this spindle is rotated by the clockwork K, the spring i is wound up, and when one of the pins i&lt;1&gt; of the slotted lever h&lt;11&gt; is moved out of the path of the pin p by the eccentric h&lt;1&gt;, it allows the cylinder c to be reversed until its motion is arrested by the other pin i&lt;1&gt;.

No. 68,809. Patented Nov. 8, I898. I N. TESLA. I METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MECHANISM OF DYING VESSELS 0B VEHICLES.

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Y Ja e/aw 'No. 6l3,809. Patented Nov,. 8, I898.

I N. TESLA. METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MEOHANISM 0F MOVING VES SELS 7 OR VEHIOLES.

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Paton ted Nov. 8, I898.

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Patented Nov. 8, I898. N. TESLA. METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MECHANISM 0F MOVING VESSELS on VEHICLES.

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METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MECHANISM OF MOVING VESSELS OR VEHICLES.

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I-I-I-I- I-I-I-I-I-I it 127mm j r film/ix 5/ 5% Q QV/QQ 7M4 UNITED STATES 'PATENT OFFICE;

NIKOLA TESLA,'OF NEY YORK, N. Y.

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING MECHANISM OF MOVING VESSELS OR l/EHICLES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 613,809, dated November 8, 1898. Application filed Jul 1,1898. Serial No. 684,934. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, NIKOLA TESLA, a citizen of the United States, residing at New York, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful improvements in methods of and apparatus for controlling from a distance the operation of the propelling engines, the steering apparatus, and other mechanism carried by moving bodies or floating vessels, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the draw ings accompanying and forming part of the same.

The problem for which the invention forming the subject'of my present application affords a complete and practicable solution is .that of controlling from a given point the operation of the propelling-engines, the steering apparatus, and other mechanism carried by a moving object, such as a boat or any floating vessel, whereby the movements and course of such body or vessel may be directed and controlled from a distance and any device carried by the same brought into action at any desired time. So far as I am aware the only attempts to solve this problem which have heretofore met with any measure of success have been made in connection with a certain class of vessels the machinery of which was governed by electric currents conveyed to the controlling apparatus through a flexible conductor; but this system is subject to such obvious limitations as are imposed by the length, weight, and strength of the conduetor which can be practically used, by the difficulty of maintaining with safety a high speed of the vessel or changing the direction of movement of the same with the desired rapidity, by the necessity for eifecting the.

control from a point which is practically fixed,

.and by many well-understood drawbacks inseparably connected with such a system. The plan which I have perfected involves none of these objections, for I am enabled by the use of my invention to employ any means of propulsion, to impart to the moving body or vessel the highest possible speed, to control the operation of its machinery and to direct its movements from either a fixed point or from a body moving and changing its direction however rapidly, and to maintain this control over great distances without any artificial circuit carried by the moving body.

'fers from all of those systems which provide for the control of the mechanism carried by a moving object and governing its motion in that I require no intermediate wires, cables, or other form of electrical or mechanical connection with the object save the natural modia in space. I accomplish, nevertheless, similar results and in a much more lpracticable manner by producing waves, impulses, or radiations which are received through the earth, water, or atmosphere by suitable apparatus on the moving body and cause the desired actions so long as the body remains within the active region or effective range'of such on rren ts, waves, impulses, or radiations.

The many and dilficult requirements of the object here contemplated, involving peculiar means for transmitting to a considerable distance an influence capable of causing in. a

positive and reliable manner these actions,

necessitated the designing of devices and apparatus of a novel kind in order to utilize to the best advantage various facts or results,

which, either through my own investigations or those of others, have been rendered practically available.

As to that part of my invention which involves the production of suitable waves or variations and the conveying of the same to a remote receiving apparatus capable of being operated or controlled by their influence, it may be carried out in various ways, which are atthe present time more or less understood. For example, I may pass through a conducting-path, preferably inclosing a large area, a rapidly-varying current and by electromagnetic induction of the same aifect a In this case the action at a given distance will be the stronger the larger the area inclosed by the conductor and the greater the rate of change of the current. If the latter were generated in the'ordinary ways, the rate of change, and consequently the distance at which the action would be practically available for the present purpose, would be very small; but by adopting such means as I have devised--that is,-

either by passing through the conducting-path currents of a specially-designed high-frequency alternator or, better still, those of a strongly-charged conden sera very high rateof change may beobtained and the effective range of the influence thus extended over a vast area, and by carefully-adjusting thecir cuit on the moving body so as tobe'in exact electromagnetic synchronism with the primary disturbances this influence may be utilized at great distances.

Another way to carry out my invention is to direct the currents or dischargesof ahighfrequency machine or condenser through a circuit one terminal of which isconnected directly or inductively with the ground and the other to a body, preferably of large surface and at an elevation. In this case if the circuiton the movingbody'be similarly arranged or connected dilferences of potential on the terminals of the circuit either by conduction or electrostatic induction are pro-- duced and the same object is attained. Again,

. to secure the best action the receiving-circuit should be adjusted so as to be in electromagnetic synchronism with the primary source, as before; but in this instance it will be understood by those skilled in the art that if the number of vibrations per unit of time be the same the circuit should now have a length of conductor only one-half of that used in the former case.

Still another way is to pass the currents simply through the ground by connecting both the terminals of the source of high-frequency currents to earth at difierent and remote points and to utilize the currents spreading through the ground for affecting a receiving-circuit properly placed and adjusted.

Again, in this instance if only one of the terminals of the receiving-circuit be connected tothe ground, the other terminal being insulated, the adjustment as to synchronism with the'sourcewill requiresthat under otherwise equal conditions the: length of wire be half of that which would be used; if both the terminals be connected or,fgen'erally, if the circuit be in the form of a'closedfloop or coih. Ob-

vionsly also in the lattercase the relative pos1t1on of the receiving and transmitting circuits is of importance, whereas if the circuit 4 be, or the former kind-that is, openthe relative position of the circuits is, as a rule,

'of little or no consequence. v Finally, I may avail myself, in carrying out my invention, of electrical oscillations which do not follow any particular conducting-path, but propagate in straight lines through space, of rays, waves, pulses, or disturbances of any kind capable of bringing the mechanis'mof the moving body into action from a distance and at the will of the operator by their effect upon suitable controlling devices.

. In the following detailed description I shall confine myself to ah explanation of that method and apparatus only .which I have found to be the most practical and eflz'ectu'al;

vmeans capable of being 'by the feeblest influences in order to effect the sensitiveness.

but obviously my tures is not limited to the special mode and appliances which I have devised and shall here describe.

In any event-that is to say, the above or similar plans I may adopt-and particularly when the-influence exerted from a distance upon the receiving-circuit be too ate the controlling apparatus I employ auxiliary sensitive relays or, generally speaking, brought into action the control of the movements of .the distant body with the least possible expenditure of energy and at the greatest practicable distance, thus extending the range andtusefulness of my invention.

A great variety of electrical and other devices more or less suitable for the purpose of detecting and utilizing feeble actions are now well known to scientific men and artisans and need not be all enu merated here. Confining invention in its broad tea whichever of small to directly'and reliablyaifect and actumyself merely to the electrical as the most practicable of such means and referring only to those which, while not the most sensitive,

are perhaps more readily available from the mbre. general knowledge which exists regarding them, I may state that a contrivance may be used which has long been known and used as a lightningarrester in connection with telephone-switchboards for operating annun- 'ciators and like devices, comprising a battery the poles of which are connected to two conducting-terminals separated by a minute thickness of dielectric.

The electromotive force of the battery should be such as to strain 1 the thin dielectric layer very nearly to the point of breaking down in order to increase minals which have, preferably, wires of some length attached to them and are bridged by a mass of minute particles of metal or other conducting material. -Normally these par- .ticles 'lying loose do not connect the metal When an electrical dis plates; but under the influenceof an electrical disturbance produced at a distance,

A evidently owing to electrostatic attraction, f

they are pressed firmlyagainst each other,

thusestablishing a good'electrical connection between thetwo terminals; This change of state may be made use of ina number of ways for the above purpose. A

Still another modified device, which may be said to embody the features of both the former, is .obtained by connecting the two conducting plates or terminals above referred to permanently with the poles .of a battery which should be of very constant electromotive force. In this arrangement a distant electrical disturbance produces a twofold effect'on the conducting particles and insulating-films between them. The former are brought nearer to each other in consequence of the sudden increase of electrostatic attraction, and the latter, owing to this, as well as by being reduced in thickness or in number, are subjected to a much greater strain, which they are unable to withstand.

It will be obviously noted from the preceding that whichever of these or similar contrivances be used the sensitiveness and, what is often still more important, the reliability of operation is very materially increased by a close adjustment of the periods of vibration of the transmitting and receiving circuits, and, although such adjustment is in many cases unnecessary for the successful carrying out of my invention, I nevertheless make it a rule to bestow upon this feature the greatest possible care, not only because of the above-mentioned advantages, which are secured by the observance of the most favorable conditions in this respect, but also and chiefly with the object of preventing the receiving-circuit from being affected by waves or disturbances emanating from sources not under the control of the operator.

The narrower the range of vibrations which are still capable of perceptibly affecting the receiving-circuit the safer will the latter be against extraneous disturbances. To secure the best result, it is necessary, as is well known to experts, to construct the receivingcircuit or that part of the same in which the vibration chiefly occurs so that it will have the highest possible'self-induction and at the same time the least possible resistance. In

- this mannerI have demonstrated the practicain this directionnamely, how,

use of merely one receiving-circuit, a greatbility of providinga great number of such receiving-circuits-fifty ora hund red,ormore each of which may be called up or brought into action whenever desired without theothers being interfered with. This result makes it possible for one operator to direct simultaneously themovements of a number of .bodies as well as to'control the action of a number of devices located on the same body, each of which may have a distinct duty to fulfil. In the following description, however, I shall show a still further development by making variety of devices may be actuated and any number of different functions performedat the will and command of the distantoperator.

It should be stated in advance in regard to the sensitive devices above mentioned, which may be broadly considered as belonging to one class, inasmuch as the operation of all of them involves the breaking down of a minute thickness of highly-strained dielectric, that it is necessary to make .some provision-for automatically restoring to the dielectric its original unimpaired insulating qualities in order to enable the device to be used in successive operations. This is usually accomplished by a gentle tapping or vibration of the electrodes or particles or continuous rotation of the same; but in long experience with many forms of these devices I have found that such procedures,while suitable in simple and comparatively unimportant'operations, as ordinary signaling, when it is merely required that the succeeding effects produced in the receiving-circuit should differ in re-' form a particular operation, perhaps of vital moment, at an instants notice and possibly when, by design or accident, the vessel itself or any mark indicating its presence is hidden from his view. In this instance a failure or defective action of any part of the apparatus might have disastrous consequences and such cases in which the sure and timely working of the machinery is of paramount importance may often present themselves in practice, and

this consideration has impressed me with the necessity of doing away with the defects in the present devices and procedures and of producing an apparatus which while being sensitive will also be most reliable and positive in its action. inafter described these defects are overcome in'a most satisfactory manner, enabling thou- .sands of successive operations, in all respects alike, being performed by the controlling apparatus without a single irregularity or miss being recorded. Fora better understanding of these and other details of the invention as I now carry them out I would refer to the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is a plan view of a vessel and mechanism within the same. gitudinal section of the same, showing the interior mechanism in side elevation. Fig. 3 is a plan view, partially diagrammatical, of the vessel, apparatus, and circuit connections of the same. Fig. 4 is a plan view, on an enlarged scale, of a portion of the controlling mechanism.- Fig. 5 is an end view of the same. Fig. 6 shows the same mechanism in side elevation. Fig. 7 is a sideview of a detail of the mechanism. Fig. 8 is a central sectional view, on a larger scale, of a sensitive device forming part of the receiving-circuit. Fig. '9 is a diagrammatic illustration of the system in its preferred form. Fig. 10 is a view of the various mechanisms employed,

but on a larger scale, and leaving out orindi- Fig.2 is a lon- In the arrangement here- 4 p ,eia'soo eating conventionally certain parts of wellunderstood character.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, A designates any type of vessel or vehicle which is capable of being propelled and directed, such as a boat,

a balloon, or a carriage.

' to carry'in a suitable compartment-B objects of-any kind, according to the nature of the uses to which it is to be applied. The vessel=-in this instance a boat-is provided with suitable propelling machinery,which is shown.

other direction, according to the direction of rotation of the motor F.,

The sleeve b on rod '11 is in gear through the cogwheels H and n", with a pindle e, mounted in vertical bearings at the stem of the boat and carrying the rudder' F.

The apparatus by means of which .the operation of both the propelling and steering mechanisms is controlled involves, primarily, a receiving-circuit, which for reasons before stated is preferably both adjusted and rendered'sensitive to the influence of waves or impulses emanating from aremote source, the adjustment being so that the period of oscillation of the circuit is either the same as that of the source or a harmonic thereof.

The receiving-circuit proper (diagrammaticallysh'own in Figs. 3 and 10) comprises a terminal E, conductor 0, a sensitive device A; and a conductor A", leading to the ground conveniently through. a connection to the metal keel B of the vessel. The terminalE' should'present a large conductingsurface and should be supported as high aspracticable on astandard D which is shown as broken in Fig. 2; but such provisions are not always necessary. It is important to insulate very well the conductor 0 in whatev,er manner it be supported.

The-circuit or path just referred to forms also a part of a local circuit, which latter includesa relay-magnet a and a battery a, the

l electromotive force of which is, as before ex- S5 7 electric layers in the sensitive device A are plained, so determined that although the disubjected' .toa great strain, yet normally they withstand the strain and no appreciable current-flows through the-local circuit; but when an electrical disturbance reaches the circuit the dielectric films are broken down, the -resistance of the device A is suddenly-and 3 .-g'rea'tly diminished, anda current traverses is shown in general views and in detail in Figs. 4, 6, 7, and 8. It consists of a metal the relay-magnetA. v

-- The. particular sensitive device employed small quantity of It may be designed 1 The central rod current which is started throug through. a slot in a made before.

cylinder 6, with-insulating-heads 0, through which passes a central metallic rod 0.

grains d of conducting ma- 7o terial, such as an oxidized metal, is placed in the cylinder. A metallic strip (1, secured to an iusulatedpost d, bears against the side of the cylinder 0, connecting it with the conductor O, formin one part of the circuit. 7 5

c is connected to the frame of the instrument and so to the other part of the circuit through the forked metal arm e,

the ends of which are fastened with two nuts to the projecting ends of the rod, by which means the cylinder 0 is supported.

In order to interrupt; the flow of batterythe action of thesensitive device A, specia 'means are pro'vided,which are as follows: The armature e of the magnet a, when attracted by the lat- .ter, closes a circuit containing a battery b and magnet f. The armature-lever f of this magnet' is fixed to a rock-shaft f, to which is secured an anchor-escapement g, which con- 0 trols the movements of a spindle g, driven by a clock-train K. The spindle g has fixed to." 7 it a disk with four pins 1), so thatfor each oscillation of the escapement g the spindle g is turned through one-quarter of a revolu- 5 tion. One of the spindles in the clock-train,

as h, is geared so as to make one-half of a revolution for each quarter-revolution of spindle g. The end of the former spindle extends through the side of the frame and carries an eccentric cylinder 72., which passes lever h", pivoted to the side of the frame. 'The fdrked arm e, which supports the cylinder c ,.is pivoted to the end of eccentric It, and the eccentric and said 165 arm are connected by a spiral spring 1. Two

pins '11 z" extend out from the lever h, and

one of these isalways in the path of a projection on arm e. They operate to prevent the turning of cylinder 0 with the spindle h and the eccentric. Itwill be evident that a half-revolution of the spindle It will wind up the spring -2 and at the same time raise or lower the lever-h, and these parts are-so arranged that just before the half-revolution of. the spindle is completed the pin 11', in engagemeut with projection on stop-pin p, is withdrawn from its path, and the cylinder 0, obeying the force of the spring 11, is suddenly turned-end for. end, its motion being checl red r20 by the other pin '11-. The adjustment rela tively-to armature f of magnet f is furthermore so made that the pin 1" is withdrawn at themoment whenthe armature has nearly reached its extreme position in its approach 12 5 toward the magnet.-that is, when the lever l, which carries the armature f, almost touches the "lower one of the two stops s s, Fig.- 5- which limits its motion in both directions.

The arrangement just described has been theresult of long experimenting with the object' of overcoming certain defects 'in devices of this kind, to which reference has been These defects I have found to be due to many causes, as, the unequal size, weight, and shape of the grains, the unequal pressure which results from this and from the manner in which the grains are usually agitated, the lack of uniformity in the conductivity of the surface of the particles owing to the varying thickness of the superficial oxidized layer, the varying condition of the gas or atmosphere in which the particles are immersed,and to certain deficiencies,wellknown to experts, of the transmitting apparatus as heretofore employed, which are in a large measure reduced by the use of my improved high-frequency coils. To do away with the defects in the sensitive device, I prepare the particles so that they will be in all respects as nearly alike as possible. They are manufactured by a special tool,insu ring their equality in size, weight, and shape, and are then uniformly oxidized by placing them for a given time in an acid solution of predetermined strength. This secures equal conducof the particles and rigorous absence of moisture, which is fatal to satisfactory working.

The normal position of the cylinder 0 is veri-ical, and when turned in the manner described the grains in it are simply shifted from one end to the other; but inasmuch as they always fall through the same space and are subjected to the same agitation they are brought after each operation of the relay to precisely the same electrical condition and otter the same resistance to the flow of the battery-current until another impulse from afar reaches the receiving-circuit.

The relay-magneta should be of such characteras to respond toavery weak current and yet be positive in its action. To insure the retraction of its armature 6' after the current has .been established through the magnet f and interrupted by the inversion of the sensitive device 0, a light rod is supported in guides on the frame in position to be lifted by an extension k of the armature-lever Z and to raise slightly the armature e. Asa feeble current may normally flow through the sensitive device and the relay-magnet a, which would be sufiicient to hold though not draw the armature down, it is well to observe this precaution.

The operation of the relay-magnet a and the'conseqnent operation of the electromagnet f, as above described, are utilized to control the operation of the propelling-engine and the steering apparatus in the following manner: On the spindle g, which carries the and the third adapted to rest on the strips j and j" in succession or upon the intermediate insulating-spaces, according to the position in which the commutator is brought by the clock-train and the anchor-escapement g.

K K", Figs. 1, 3, and 10, are two relaymagnets conveniently placed in the rear of the propellingengine.

the relay-coils, the opposite terminal to the brush J, and the opposite ends of the relaycoils to the brush J and to the frame of the instrument, respectively. As a consequence of this arrangement either the relay K or K" will be energized as the brush J bears upon the plate j or j, respectively, or both relays will be inactive while the brush J bears upon an insulating-space between the plates j and j". While one relay, as K, is energized, its armature closes a circuit through the motor F, which is rotated in a direction to throw the rudder to port. On the other hand, when relay K is active another circuit through the motor F is closed, which reverses its direction of rotation and shifts the rudder to starboard. These circuits, however, are at the same time utilized for other purposes, and their course is, in part, through apparatus which Ishall describe before tracing their course.

The fixed rod I1 carries an insulating disk or head L, Fig. 2, to the under side of which are secured six brushes, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6, Fig. 3. Thesleeve b, which surrounds the rod and is turned by the steering-motor F,

bear upon the inner circle of contacts, while the brushes 5 and 6 bear upon the outer circle of contacts. The outer circle of contacts comprises two long plates 7 and 8 on opposite sides of the disk and a series of shorter plates 9, 10, 11, 12,13, and 14 in the front and rear. Flexible conductors Z Z connect the plates 7 and 8 with the terminals of the propelling-motor D, and the poles of the main battery E are connected to the brushes 5 and 6, respectively, so that while the rudder is straight or turned up .to a certain angle to either side the current is conveyed through the brushes 5 and 6 and segments 7 and 8 to the propelling-motor D. The stcering'motor F is also driven by current taken from the main battery E in the following manner; A conductor 15 from one pole of the battery v One terminal of a battery'lc" is connected to one end of each of ICC leads to one of the commutator-brushes, and from the other brush runs a conductor 16 to one of the contacts of each relay K*K". When one of these relays, as K", is active, it continues this circuit through a wire. 19 through one field-coil or set of coils on the motor F and thence to the brush 1. In'a similar'm'anner when the other relay K is active the circuit is continued from wire 18 ro,through a wire 20, the second or reversing set of field-coils, and to brush 2.

'-'Both brushes 1 and 2 at all times when the rudder is not turned more than about fortyfive degrees to one side are in contact with a long conducting-plate21, and'one brush in any position of the rudder is always in contact with said plate, and .the latteiisconnected by a flexible conductor 22 with the opposite pole of the main battery. Hence the motor F may always be caused to rotate in one direction whatever may be the position of the rudder, and may be caused to rotate .in either direction whenever the position of the'rudder is less than a predetermined an- 25 gle, conveniently forty-five degrees from the center position. In order, however, to prevent the rudder from being turned too far'in either direction, the isolated plate 23 is used. Any movement of the rudder beyond a predetermined limit brings this plate under one or. the other 'of the brushes 1 2 and breaks the circuit of motor F, so that the rudder'can be driven no farther in that direction, but, as will be understood, the apparatus is in condition to turn the rudder overto the other side. In like manner the circuit ofithe propolling-motor D is controlled through brushes 5 and-6 and the segments on the outer circle of contacts of head L. If the short segments 0 on either side of the circle are insulated, the

motor D will be stopped whenever one of the brushes 5 or 6 passes onto one of them fro the larger segments 7 8.

- It is important to add that on all contact- 5 points'where a breakoccurs provision should be made to overcome the sparking and prevent the oscillation of electrical charges in the circuits, as such sparks and oscillations may afiect the sensitive device. It is this consideration chiefly which makes itadvisable to use the two relays KK", which otherwise might be dispensed with. They should be also placed as far as practicable from the sensitive device in order to guard the latter 5 5 against. any action. of strong varying currents.

In addition to the mechanism described the vesselmay carry any-other devices or apparatus as might be required for accomplishing any spec al object of more or less importance.

By way of illustration a small motor m is shown, Figs. 1, and 3, which conveniently serves for a'number of purposes. This motor is shown connected in series with the armature of the steering-motor F, so that whenever either one of the circuits of the latter is closed through relays K K" the motor m is likewise-rotated, but in all cases in the same this figure S designates any source of elecdirection. Its rotation is opposed by a spring Q m, so that in normal operation, owing to the fact that the circuits of motor- F are closed but a short time, the lever m", which is fastened to one of the wheels of 4 clockwork M,

with which the armature of the motor is geared, will move but ashort distance and upon cessation of the current return to astop P; but if ,the circuits of the motor F are closed and opened rapidly in succession,which operation leaves the rudder unaffected, then the lever m" is moved toa greate'rangle, coming in contact with a metal plate 11., and finally, if desired, with a'post n. Upon the lever m"- coming in contact with plate at the-current of thefmain battery passes either .through one or other or both of the lights supported on standards q q, according tothe position of brushes 3 and 4. relatively to the insulatingsegment 23; but since' the head L, carrying the segments, is geared to the rudder the positionof the latter is in a general way determined by observing the lights. Both of the lights may be colored, and by flashing them up whenever desired the operator may guide at night the vessel in its course.- For such purposes also-the standards 7 'r are provided, which should be painted .in lively colors, so as to be visible by day at great distances. By opening and closing the circuits of motor F a greater number of times, preferably determined bef0rehand,the lever m" is brought in'contact with post- 01.,thus closing the circuit of the main battery through a device 0 and bringing the latter into action at the moment desired. 13y similar contrivances or such as will readily suggest themselves to' mechanicians any number of different devices .may be operated. U

Referring now to Fig. 9, which illustrates diagrammatically the system as practiced when directing the movements of a boat, in

trical disturbance or oscillations the generation of which-is controlled by a suitable switch contained in box T. a The handle of the switch is movable in. one direction only and stops on four points z t -u,' -u, so that as the handle passes from stop to stop oscillations are pro-' duced by the source during a very short time interval. There are thus produced four disturbances during one revolution and the re; ceiving-circuit is aifected four times; but it no will be understood from the foregoing description of the controlling devices on the vessel ,t that the rudder will be moved twice, once to right and once to left. Now I preferably place i the handle of the switch so that when it is ar- 125 rested on points 15 t'- -that is, to the right 'or' handle are therefore at u u when the rudder is not acted upon, and it remains on the points it u only so long as necessary, Since, as before stated, the working of theapparatus is 613,809 I I Z very sure, the operator is enabled to perform any such operations as provision is made for without even seeing the vessel.

The manner of using the apparatus and the operation of the several instrumentalities comprising the same is in detail as follows: Normally the plate L is turned so that brush 2 rests upon the insulated segment 23 and brush 6 upon one of theinsulated short segments in the rear of the circle. Under these conditions the rudder will be turned to starboard and the circuit of motorD interrupted between brushes 5 and 6. At the same time only one of the circuits of motor Fthat controlled b'y relay Kis capable of being closed,

since brush 2,-which connects with the other,

is out of contact with the long segment 21. Assuming now that it is desired to start the vessel and direct it to a given point, the handle T is turned from its normal position on point at to the point t on the switch-box. This sends out an electrical disturbance, which, passing through the receiving-circuit on the vessel, affects the sensitive device A and starts the flow of currentthrough the 10- cal circuit, including said device, the relay a, and'the battery a. This, as has been previously explained, turns the cylinderj and causes the brush J to pass from. insulation onto the contact j. The battery k is thus closed through relay K, and the latter closes that circuit of the motor F which, starting from plate 22, which is permanently connected with one pole of the main battery, is completed through the brush 1, the field of motor F, Wire 19, the armature of relay K, wire 16, the motor m, the brushes and commutator of motor F, and wire 15 to the opposite terminal of the battery E. Motor F is thus set in operation to shift the rudder to port; but the movement of plate L which follows brings the brush 6 back onto segment 8 and closes the circuit of the propelling-motor which starts the vessel. The motor F is permitted to run until the rudder has been turned sufficiently to steer the vessel in the desired direction, when the handle '1 is turned to the point M. This produces another action of the relay a and brush J is shifted onto insulation and both relays K and K are inactive. The rudder remains in the position to which it has been shifted by the motor F. If it be then desired to shift it to starboard, or in the opposite direction to that in which it was last moved,,the handle T is simply turned to point t and allowed to remain there untilthe motor F, which is now operated by relay K, the circuit of which is closed by strip J coming into contact with plate j", has done its work. The movement of handle T to the next point throws out both relays K and K, and the next movement causes a shifting of the rudder to port, and so on. Suppose, however, that after the rudder has been set at any angle to its middle position it be desired to shift it still farther in the same direction. In such case the handle is moved quickly over two points, so that the circuit which would move the rudder in .point, which again throws out both relays K and K. It will be understood that if the handle be held fora sufficiently long time upon either point for t the motor F will sime ply turn the plate L in one direction or the other until the circuits of motors D and F are broken; It is furthermore evident that one relay K or K" will always be operative to start the motor F.

As previously explained, the longest period of operation of which the motor F is capable under ordinary conditions of use does not permit the motor m to shift the arm m into contact with the plate n; but if the handle T be turned with a certain rapidity a series of current impulses will be directed through motor m; but as these tend to rotate the motor F in opposite directions they do not sensibly affect the latter, but act to rotate the motor m against the force of the coiled pr s- The invention which I have described will prove useful in many ways. Vessels or vehicles of any suitable kind may be used, as life, despatch, or pilot boats or the like, or for carrying letters packages, provisions, instruments, objects, or materials of any de 'scription, for establishing communication with inaccessible regions and exploring the conditions existing in the same, for killing or capturing whales or other animals of the sea, and for many other scientific, engineering, or commercial purposes; but the greatest value of. my invention will result from its effect upon warfare and armaments, forby reason of its certain and unlimited destructiveness it will tend to bring about and maintain perling the movements and operation of a vessel or. vehicle herein described, which consists in producing waves or disturbances which are conveyed to the vessel by the natural media, actuating thereby suitable apparatus on the vessel and effecting the control of the propelling-engine, the steering and other mechanism by the operation of the said apparatus, as set forth.

2. The improvement in the art of controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle, herein described, which consists in establishing a region of waves or disturbances, and actuating by their influence exerted at a distance the devices on suc'nvessel' or vehicle,which control the propelling, steeringand other mechanism thereon, as set forth.

' 3. The improvement in the art of controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle, herein described, which consists in, establishing a region of electrical waves or disturbances, and actuating by their influence, exertedat a distance, the devices on said vessel or vehicle, which control thepropelling, steering and other'mechanism thereon, as set forth.

4. The improvement in the art of controlling the movements and operation of a vessel or vehicle, herein described, which consists in providing on the vessel a circuit controlling the propelling, steering and other mech anism, adjusting or rendering such circuit sensitive to waves or disturbances of a definite character, establishing a region of such waves or disturbances, and rendering by their means the controlling-circuit active or inactive, as set forth. v

5. The combination with a source of electrical Waves or disturbances of a moving vesor disturbances exerted at a distance from the source, as set forth.

- 7. The combination with a source of electrical waves or disturbances and means for of thesource, as set forth.

' same, of a vessel or vehicle, steering mechanism carried thereby, local cir- '5o cuits controlling said mechanisms, a circuit starting and stopping'the-same, of a vessel or vehicle, propelling and steering mechanism carried thereby, a circuit containing or connected with means for controlling the opera-- tion of said mechanism and adjusted or ren dered sensitive to the waves or disturbances 8. The combination w th a source of electrical waves or disturbances, andmeans for starting and stopping theoperation of the propellin g and sensitive to the waves or disturbances of the source and means therein adapted to control the said local circuits, as and for the purpose set forth.

9. The sensitive device herein described comprising in construction a receptacle conmetal forming a partof the circuit, and means for turning the same end for end when the material has been rendered active by the passage through it of an electric discharge, as set forth.

10. The sensitive device herein described, comprising in combination a receptacle containing a material such as particles of oxidized metal forming a part of an electric circuit, an electromagnet in said circuit, and devices controlled therebyfor turning the receptacle end for end when said magnet is energized,

as set forth. I

11. The sensitive device hereindescribed, comprising in combination a receptacle containing a material such as particles of oxidized metal forming part of an electric circuit, a motor for rotating the receptacle, an electroescapement controlled by said magnetand adapted to permit a half-revolution of the receptacle when the said magnet is energized, as set forth.

,taining a material such as particles of oxidized magnet in circuit with the material, and an 12. The combination with a movable body or vehicle, of a propelling-motor, a steeringmotor and electrical contacts carried by a moving portion of the steering mechanism, and adapted in certain positions'of the latter to interrupt the circuit of the propelling-motor, a local circuit and means connected therewith for controlling the steering-motor,

and a circuit controlling the local-circuit and I means for rendering said controlling-circuit sensitive to the influence of electric waves or disturbances exerted at afiistance from their source, at set forth. I

13. The combination with the steering-motor, a local circuit for directing current through the same in opposite directions, a

controlling-circuit rendered sensitive to theinfluence of electric waves or disturbances exerted at a-distance from their source, amotor in circuit with the steering-motor but adapted to'run always in the same direction, and a local circuit or circuits controlled by said motor, asset forth.

NIKOLA TESLA.

Witnesses:

RAPHAEL NETTER, GEORGE SCHERFE. 

